'''Hob Hayward''' was an old [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] who wore the feathered cap of the the [[Shirriffs]] of the [[Shire]]. In happier times, he had watched the [[Hay Gate]], the gate at the northern entrance to [[Buckland]] at the end of the [[High Hay]]. It was from this duty that he took his name: a [[hayward]] is an old term for a guardian of hedges and fences.

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| image=

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| name=Hob Hayward

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| position=[[Shirriff]]

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| location=[[Buckland]]

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| birth=Late [[Third Age]]

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| family=[[Hayward Family|Hayward]]

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| gender=Male

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'''Hob Hayward''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of [[the Shire]].

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When [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] took over the Shire during the [[War of the Ring]], defences were built to block the [[Brandywine Bridge]] itself, preventing entry into the Shire from the east. Hob was put on duty here, and was guarding the Bridge when [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and the Travellers returned. He was known to [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]], and it was through Hob that the four companions learned of the dreadful changes that had taken place in the Shire while they had been away.

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==History==

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Hob was a two-feathered [[Shirriff]]. Before the War of the Ring, he had watched [[Buckland]]'s [[Buckland Gate|Hay Gate]]. He was well acquainted with the [[Brandybuck Family]].

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[[Category:Hobbits]]

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During [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]]'s reign over the Shire, the Shirriffs were reorganized. Hob was one of several shirriffs who were to guard the new fence at the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. When [[Frodo Baggins]] and his [[Travellers|companions]] returned from their adventure, they found Hob at the gate. After they chased off [[Bill Ferny]], their commander, Hob informed them of the changes in their homeland.<ref>{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>

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==Etymology==

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A ''hayward'' is a local official with the duty of inspecting fences and keeping cattle from straying.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 759</ref>

History

During Lotho Sackville-Baggins's reign over the Shire, the Shirriffs were reorganized. Hob was one of several shirriffs who were to guard the new fence at the Brandywine Bridge. When Frodo Baggins and his companions returned from their adventure, they found Hob at the gate. After they chased off Bill Ferny, their commander, Hob informed them of the changes in their homeland.[1]

Etymology

A hayward is a local official with the duty of inspecting fences and keeping cattle from straying.[2]